| Meaning of Tribal tattoos?? |
Question:
I'm interested in tribal armbands, but allmost the tattoo
artists say that tribal designs don't have any
meaning or that I'll have to do my own research to find out. Does anyone could help me out so that I know
where to start? And who know what culture the tribal designs
originated from, and are there any books out there on the subject, or if
you have designs that you know the meaning of? (These are the symbols I'm
looking for: letting go, freedom, balance, bliss, joy, enlightment,
harmony, the wheel of life, karma)
Answer:
-You can read this quote from Victoria Lautman's book, _The New Tattoo_:
"One of the most intriguing styles to emerge with the tattoo renaissance
is the strikingly graphic tribal work...compasses native motifs from
preindustrial cultures the world over: today's tribal tattoos might
derive from the Sea Dayak of Borneo, New Zealand's Maoris, America's
Haida and Hopi, or the indigenous Hawaiian Islanders."
Unfortunately, I don't think there's one book that has a comprehensive
listing of tribal designs. Fortunately however, since these are based on
native designs, you should have some luck in a university research
library in finding sources about these peoples and their cultures.
-Most of the designs that i have seen have been a modification of designs
of celtic origin. but I also know of some polynesian, and african based
designd on people.
*shrug* as to where to look them up, a while ago someone posted on
books of symbols etc... which would be a good place to start.
- The main problem is that "tribal" designs as found in America come from
a multitude of different culture, probably each with their own symbolic
system. I would suggest the following step:
1: Find a survey of tattooed cultures.
2: Pick a culture you like.
3: Research that culture.
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